The Bronze Gnomes of Teslite

The Bronze gnomes are an incredibly intelligent race who work on steam powered, electrically charged mechanical wonders. The large mountain at the outskirts of their Capitol city of Ikarus is the reason they were able to become so technologically advanced. The mountain is made from pure Kinalite, a metal with many reactive and conductive possibilities. The gnomes call it the Source but most cartographers refer to it as Mount Teslite. This mountain's unique geological makeup has created a neverending electrical storm at the peak of the mountain. The gnomes for generations have used that power to keep their city lit up even when the world around them was dark.
  The gnomes do not trust outsiders and will protect their inventions through many vile means. The only way to leave Teslite with gnomon technology is with the permission of the Brain Trust or in a body bag tossed into the ocean.
  The Brain Trust is similar to the human university but governs the whole province. Each year, when a lifetime member passes on, the empty spots are filled by the inventor who can come up with the most revolutionary new technology. There are 33 members of the Brain Trust and each one has the same voting power as their colleagues.
  The Gnomes are not great fighters but their brains can outthink, outmaneuver and outgun any technology the mainland can muster. The Brain Trust has come up with some interesting methods of toxins and torture. Although most of that is hearsay because no on leaves the confines of their torture chambers without a healthy dose of electricity and lobotomy.